Best Pistol for a beginner?

Newbie77

Hey all,
What is the best make of .22 pistol for a target shooting beginner? I know it depends on each user somewhat, but as a basic starting point, what would you reccomend please?

In addition, I noticed some mixed information on varying Irish Target shooting sites- it could just be me but...in what order should I get started?
Can you join a gun club without a licence? Mostly no seems the consensus.
Can I apply for a licence without having already identified/ordered a gun? No it appears not.

So, do I source a gun through official/usual channels then apply for the firearm licence prior to receiving the weapon, then apply to clubs for membership?
I know I may have answered my own question but if those who have already been through the process could confirm, I would be very grateful.

Regards,

Paul

Sparks

Newbie77 wrote: »

Hey all,
What is the best make of .22 pistol for a target shooting beginner? I know it depends on each user somewhat, but as a basic starting point, what would you reccomend please?

I'd recommend using the club pistol to start with

In addition, I noticed some mixed information on varying Irish Target shooting sites- it could just be me but...in what order should I get started?
Can you join a gun club without a licence? Mostly no seems the consensus.

A target shooting club? Yes, you can. Except for a few places, which aren't really set up for beginners anyway. Where are you (roughly) in the country?

Can I apply for a licence without having already identified/ordered a gun? No it appears not.

No, you need the serial number from the gun to get the licence.

So, do I source a gun through official/usual channels then apply for the firearm licence prior to receiving the weapon, then apply to clubs for membership?

For pistols, that probably won't work because superintendents are looking for membership of a club before granting the licence.

Best advice - join the local club. Use their beginner's kit to get started, see if you like the sport. If you do, look at the other pistols in the club while you learn to shoot on club kit, and when you know what you want, buy it second-hand.

Sparks

Moved to it's own thread.

Newbie77

Sparks, thanks for moving the thread and for the invaluable advice- using the club kit is the smartest way to go if they can provide one.
I live in Dublin, West of the city.
Any clubs that spring to mind that would be suitable for a beginner? I have fired before but .22 rifles.
Cheers,
Paul

Sparks

If you're west of Dublin City (Lucan/Celbridge area?) you've got a few choices mainly because they're all equally far away
BRC, Hilltop, RRPC, Midlands, Fingal, DTSC - the difference in travel time to them is going to be relatively small. Personally, if I was starting off in .22 pistol, I think I'd pick RRPC at the moment.
(Mind you, personally I started with air pistol because I figured it's better to learn to shoot that way, but that's my choice and not everyone agrees with it).

Newbie77

Nice one Sparks. Thanks again. You reckon the clubs you listed (whose websites I have been looking at over the last few days as it happens) are equipped and welcoming for newbies like myself?
I live near the Red Cow, so as you said, they're all equidistant, it's really about finding the one that's best set up to take newcomers..
Cheers again!
Paul

dresden8

Where's the Fingal club. I can find very little on this.

Newbie77

yeah this is all I found:
Fingal Target Shooting Club

Fingal Target Shooting Club, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, Ireland 50m paper target
Not taking Memberships at this Time

Sparks

If you're near the Red Cow, BRC's the closest. DRC after that. Not sure if either of them are set up for beginners, maybe they have people posting here?
Midlands is out the M7, it's a few km away but probably not that long in terms of time (I'm used to driving for an hour on a good day to get to WTSC which is my standard yardstick here).
Midlands and RRPC would be the best set up for beginners so far as I know. Maybe people in the other clubs would post?

Sparks

Fingal are a private club in Balbriggan. They weren't openly taking members last I checked, but if you knew the lads running it there might be an exception made. They're definitely not set up for beginners though, so I guess you should rule them out.

IRLConor

Newbie77 wrote: »

Nice one Sparks. Thanks again. You reckon the clubs you listed (whose websites I have been looking at over the last few days as it happens) are equipped and welcoming for newbies like myself?

All of those ones I've been to (BRC, RRPC & Midlands) have been very friendly towards strangers. I imagine the other ones are similar.

As a new member you represent cash and an extra pair of hands, very few clubs are successful in the long run if they don't treat their new members well.

I've been down to RRPC more than any other range outside my home one (DURC) and they've always been excellent. They have a good range, electronic targets and some very capable shooters so my vote would be for there if I was getting into .22 pistol.

BRC would be a bit closer though, so that might be worth factoring in.

Newbie77

Thanks IRLConor.
Would these clubs have kits for beginners who haven't yet invested in a pistol (as suggested by our colleague above?)
Paul

IRLConor

Newbie77 wrote: »

Thanks IRLConor.
Would these clubs have kits for beginners who haven't yet invested in a pistol (as suggested by our colleague above?)
Paul

RRPC does. I don't know their exact setup though, so I'll defer to a better-informed poster.

*paging rrpc*

It wasn't me!

RRPC does indeed have a club pistol, so you'd be well sorted there.

fat-tony

RRPC has a club pistol and a couple or three regular pistol shooters. Drop a note to the secretary via the website www.rathdrumrpc.org to arrange a visit and we'd be happy to help:)

Newbie77

Thanks for all your help lads!!! Much appreciated, see some of you soon hopefully!!!
Paul

bunny shooter

Midlands does not have club pistols and you would need your own to shoot pistol there.

Bananaman

Hilltop are also open for membership.

The can be contacted for more information
see http://www.pcquad.com for details.

B'Man